Central hub no more

THE Central Hall is the hub of activities whenever a Parliament session is on. Except during a joint session of Parliament or a speech by any head of the country, the Central Hall is mainly used by present and former Members of Parliament of the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha for informal chats and gossip. Senior journalists are also seen sitting with the members. Sometimes, big scoops originate from Central Hall as it is a place where one can meet ministers in a relaxed atmosphere. After Narendra Modi took over the reins of government, the atmosphere of Central Hall has changed. Most of the new members are first-timers. On occasion, one can see Finance Minister Arun Jaitley sitting with his journalist friends. But other ministers of this government are wary of gossiping in Central Hall. MPs from the Congress, Samajwadi Party and other non-BJP parties are seen around but not those from the ruling party. Thus journalists are at a loss as Central Hall is no longer a source of major news and gossip.